How to Write an Engaging Personal Statement for Your Master’s Application
October 27, 2022
How To Structure A Literature Review
October 27, 2022
A literature review is a written document that summarizes the existing research on a particular topic. It can inform future research projects or provide context for discussing findings from your research.
To begin writing a literature review, you first need to become familiar with the existing literature in your field of study. Then, you'll need to organize and summarize this information in an organized and logical manner.
This can be a challenging task, but it's important to remember that the purpose of a literature review is not to make judgments about individual studies but to provide a summary of the recent state of knowledge on a given topic.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to write a literature review that meets the expectations of academic journals.
- What is a literature review, and why is it important to academic writing?
- How do you go about finding relevant sources for your review?
- What are the key elements of a good literature review?
- How do you structure your review so that it is clear and concise?
- What common mistakes do students make when writing a literature review?
- How can you improve your critical thinking skills when reviewing sources for your paper?
You must keep the following things in mind before drafting your research paper.
What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a crucial part of academic writing. It surveys the existing body of work to assess the current state of knowledge on a given topic. Doing so provides a framework for further research and study. A literature review can be a stand-alone paper or part of a larger research project. In either case, its purpose is to provide a critical survey of the existing body of work.
How to Write a Literature Review
When writing a literature review, it is important to remember that it should not simply be a summary of the existing body of work. Rather, it should critically assess the work and provide your initial analysis. To do this effectively, you must:
1) Select a topic
2) Search the existing literature
3) Critically assess the existing body of work
4) Synthesize the findings into your original analysis.
5) Offer recommendations for further research.
1. Decide on a Focus
The first step to writing a literature review is to decide on a focus. It could be a specific topic, such as the impact of social media on body image, or a more general domain, such as the benefits of organic foods. Once you have decided where to focus, you can begin to gather sources.
2. Find Scholarly Sources
The next step is to find scholarly sources that relate to your focus. These could be journaling articles, books, or other academic sources. It is important to ensure that you only use reputable sources in your literature review.
3. Take Notes
After finding some relevant sources, it is important to take notes on them. Write down any key points or ideas you want to include in your literature review. Be sure also to note down the author, year of publication, and other relevant information for each source.
4. Organize your Literature Review
Once you have taken notes on your sources, it is time to start organizing your literature review. Begin by grouping together similar sources and ideas. Then, arrange your sources in chronological order or according to the theme. Finally, write a paragraph or two summarizing each source and its relevance to your focus.
5. Write your Literature Review
Once you have organized your literature review, it is time to start writing. Begin by introducing your topic and providing some background information. Then, present your main points, backing them up with evidence from your sources. Finally, conclude your literature review with a summary of the main points and a discussion of their implications for future research
Here are a Few Suggestions for Conducting your Literature Review
1) Start with a broad search of the existing literature and then narrow your focus as you find more specific works.
2) Evaluate each source critically before including it in your review. Not all sources are created equal!
3) Use citation management software (like EndNote or RefWorks) to keep track of your sources as you find them. It will save you time in the long run when you are ready to write your paper.
4) Be sure to consult with your professor about what style guide to use (APA, MLA, etc.) as well as how they would like you to format your literature review (e.g., chronological order, themes, etc.).
5) As you read, note any gaps in the existing body of work that your research could help to fill. These gaps can serve as the focus of your paper.
6) Finally, don’t forget to proofread your paper before submitting it! A well-written literature review is critical to receiving a good grade on your research paper.
How Does A Literature Review Vary from Essay Writing?
Below, we will mention some key differences between the literature review and the essay.
Features | Literature review | Essay |
Purpose | Assess what is already known about the topic, how well it is researched, and where future study should be focused. | To showcase your knowledge of the subject, develop your perspective, and persuade the reader of it by giving a well-reasoned response that is backed up by proof from the study you have done. |
Content | An analysis of one or more literary works. It can be in reaction to a stimulus or inquiry to focus the review and limit the scope of the literature research . | An argument in response to a prompt or query on a certain subject. Aspects of a subject are discussed, along with justifications and examples. |
Structure | It differs significantly but often requires a Heading, a Body, and a Conclusion (including if it forms part of a longer text). The literature review's primary arguments should be organized chronologically, with supporting details illustrating how the sources relate to one another and further understanding the subject. | Body, Introduction, and Conclusion Concepts should be used to group ideas based on how they advance the main point of the argument. |
Critical Approach to Sources | The writing's focus is its sources and literature. | The sources are cited as support for the claim. |
Conclusion
A literature review is an important component of academic writing. It surveys the existing body of work to assess the current state of knowledge on a given topic. Doing so provides a framework for further research and study. A literature review can be a stand-alone paper or part of a larger research project. In either case, its purpose is to provide a critical survey of the existing body of work.
